SOUTHERN PROVINCE GISAGARA — The Natural Resources Minister, Stanislas Kamanzi on Saturday launched the National Environment Week by planting thousands of bamboo trees on the Akanyaru River bank. The launch that coincided with the monthly community work attracted thousands of local residents and workers from different public and private institutions that included the World Food Programme, Rwanda Development Board and the Rwanda Environment Management Authority. They planted bamboo trees on an 8 Km stretch on the banks of the Akanyaru River that borders Rwanda and Burundi. Addressing residents of Mukindo Sector after the tree planting exercise, Kamanzi called for more efforts to prevent soil erosion which he said is a threat to the wellbeing of the Akanyaru River. “There is need for massive tree planting on the river banks. Tree planting should also be undertaken along steep slopes and other areas neighbouring the river,” he said. The Minister called for the intensification of the planting of bamboo trees to cover the 80 km stretch along the river during the Environment Week. He decried poor land use and poor farming methods in the district and urged residents to cut down unproductive banana plantations that are grown in most parts of the district, and called for proper land use by residents by settling in communal settlements (Imidugudu). Tian Xinli, the vice team leader, China Aid Bamboo project in Rwanda, blamed soil erosion for the pollution of the Akanyaru waters, but said planting bamboo trees will protect the river. “We have registered success in similar projects in Uganda and Mexico. In a period of three years, the Akanyaru River water ecosystem erosion should have been partly redressed,” said Tian, adding that apart from protecting the environment, residents will gain from the bamboo trees due to its enormous uses. At the occasion, Governor, Fidele Ndayisaba urged area residents to embrace family planning in order to produce children they can provide for. The Environment Week will be concluded with the celebration of the International Environment Day that falls on June 5. Ends
